Commentaries in several newspapers have analysed Islamist policemen’s demands that they should be allowed to grow beards. Despite arguing that it is part of their basic human rights, many writers believe that the move might contribute to potential sectarian strives.On another note, some commentators have discussed Morsi’s son’s offensive attitude to a security guard at the family house in Sharqiya.
The bearded and the honourable
Mohamed Salmawi
Al-Masry Al-Youm newspaper
Salmawi explores the issue of the bearded policemen and their recent protests in front of the presidential palace. He criticises the policemen’s demands to be permitted to grow long beards as a basic human right. Salmawi argues that having bearded policemen will contribute to potential sectarian strives. He asks what would happen if a Coptic police officer demanded the ability to display a cross on his uniform to display his dedication to his religion.
Will Egypt’s policemen divide according to their faiths? In a situation where a Christian family had a problem with Muslim people and both parties reported it to the police, would it be wise to have a bearded police officer handling the complaint? Who guarantees that a bearded policeman would act fairly towards the Coptic family?
Salmawi states that the appearance of policemen in almost all countries is known to be neutral. Why, in this particular period of political turmoil, would Islamist policemen want to work with beards? Instead of making this demand, the writer suggests the police would have been better occupied removing the remnants of the old regime from the Ministry of Interior and reducing corruption within the police force.
Mubarak’s son and Morsi’s son
Emad Al-Din Hussein
Al-Shorouk newspaper
Recalling two incidents where Morsi’s son has insulted security officers in front of their house in Sharqiya, Hussein advises the President to speak with his children on the responsibility they carry due to their father’s position. Large newspapers have reported that the son has insulted the officer and threatened him to sack him.
Although the writer states that some media might be launching attack campaigns against Morsi and his family, his children must look back at Mubarak’s two sons and learn from their mistakes. Gamal and Alaa Mubarak have contributed to their father’s fall from grace.
Therefore, it would be wise of the President to give them fatherly advice on how to behave with opposition members and with their private security guards. The sensitivity of Morsi’s position demands extra care is taken by his children regarding their attitude to the public.
